Coverage of Democratic Issues in Addis Neger and Addis Zemen

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Date

2009-06

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Addis Ababa University

Abstract

This study envisaged to assess and examine the nature and magnitude of the coverage of democratic values/issues in two Ethiopian Amharic language newspapers: Addis Neger and Addis Zemel!. Content analysis was used as a main research tool. In-depth interviews were also made with editors and journalists of the two newspapers. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to analyze the data. A chi-square test was also done to see whether there was a significant difference between the two newspapers. For gathering data through content analysis, 48 editions of newspapers (24 from each) ranging from December 2007 to May 2008 were used as samples of the study. All stories that focused on democratic values/issues (election, political parties/multi-party system, good governance and human rights) were coded and their contents analyzed. The analysis was made based on the type, theme, source, origin, placement and length of stories. The data found from the in-depth interviews were used as a back up in the discussion and analysis part of the study. In light of the Krowing demand and urge for democracy from within and outside, the findings reveal that democratic values/issues were faded away with very little coverage in both newspapers. Also, the contents of the articles/stories were found to be insufficiently comprehensive and thorough to help readers get convenient and significant information. Most stories aboul democratic values/issues were found to be hard news dealing with political parties/multi-party system and election. Moreover, the sources used were mainly official ones. Above all, the two newspapers failed to give prominence to stories about democratic values/ issues. Many of the stories were found to be in the inside pages. In terms of quantity, the chi-square test revealed that there is a significant difference in the distribution of five categories between the two newspapers. No significant difference was found with one category: placement of sto/y. Regardingfrequency of coverage, Addis Zemen was beller almost in all categories except in the length of story. In general, the results of this study indicate that Addis Neger and Addis Zemen gave limited coverage to democratic values/ issues.

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Coverage of Democratic Issues

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